Dáil to vote on global cluster bombs ban bill

A Fine Gael Bill seeking a global ban on cluster bombs will be voted upon on in the Dáil later.

However a Government amendment bidding to delay the draft legislation for nine months is expected to be passed by TDs.

Cluster bombs, which splinter into smaller bomblets when launched, are blamed by human rights experts for indiscriminately killing or injuring civilians, especially children who mistake them for toys.

The Bill is being proposed by Fine Gael TD Billy Timmins who saw the devastation caused by the munitions while serving as a Defence Forces soldier in Lebanon in the 1980s.

The Fine Gael Bill, which was debated in the Dáil last night, proposes a ban on all public investment in such weapons.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern confirmed yesterday that the Government will stop investing State pension funds in companies that manufacture cluster bombs.

A major conference on cluster bombs will be hosted by Mr Ahern in Croke Park on May 19-30.

Up to 1,000 delegates will meet to prepare an agreed text for an international convention banning the use of the munitions.

Ireland is among a growing number of countries such as Austria, New Zealand and Norway which are leading opposition to the controversial bombs.

It is believed that up to 138 nations support a prohibition of the production or use of the munitions.

Last October, Mr Ahern lobbied strongly on the issue at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

The 2007-2012 Programme for Government is committed to a complete ban on the use of cluster munitions.

Cluster bombs were used in southern Lebanon, South-East Asia, the Balkans and other theatres of war in recent years.

The Government already funds projects run by anti-mine NGOs such as the Halo Trust, Mine Action Group and Handicap International.

It has also supported Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) relief measures in Somalia, Afghanistan, Angola, Mozambique and Iraq.

Mr Ahern said during last night’s debate: “The Government is determined to achieve the strongest possible prohibition on cluster munitions and to make a meaningful difference to the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable civilians around the world who have suffered from their use.”

He added that the Government was not voting against the Bill but was proposing that the Dáil postpone its Second Reading for nine months “with a view to enabling a more comprehensive approach to the question of cluster munitions to be taken by the House.”